Age isn’t always a deciding factor in who may or may not have an SCA or heart attack. Often very athletic younger men and women, seemingly out of the blue and in “perfect” health, can have an episode of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest).

Years back there was a 17-year-old high school tennis team captain that passed away from an SCA. While instances like this are very rare, they are not unheard of. If you are young and seemingly healthy, there would generally be no reason you would have been to visit a cardiologist. The cause is usually a chronic heart condition that the person isn’t made aware of. That is until it happens and then its too late.

An SCA is different from a heart attack. The terms are often interchangeably used.

How they differ:

Heart Attack: During a heart attack the heart’s blood supply is blocked or reduced, causing injury to the heart muscle, and can result in death. The person is generally awake and can feel and report on symptoms of what they are experiencing.

SCA: In an SCA the heart ceases beating and blood flow through the body is completely stopped. In an SCA consciousness is lost after only a gasp or two for breath, and possibly a seizure. SCA is a leading cause of death among adults over 40. Over 1,000 incidents are reported nationwide each day. You must receive CPR within 5 minutes or death is certain.

It is not possible to predict when and where SCA could occur. Nor is it possible to predict in whom it may occur. The best option in preventing this type of event from happening is to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
• Be physically active and exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do not smoke
• Do not drink alcohol in excess
• Do not use recreational drugs including stimulants and caffeine
• Panic and anxiety are also a potential cause so if you have panic attacks do everything you can to get them under control
• A sudden blow to the chest can also disrupt the hearts rhythm

Those with pre-existing conditions should also beware and check in with their physicians regularly. Predispositions include:

• Those with a history of previous heart attacks
• Those with a heart valve or rhythm disorders
• Those who have fainting spells
• Those with a history of heart failure
• Those with coronary disease

For many, SCA is the first indication that a heart condition exists. The problem is that only 10% who experience SCA will live through it.

If you are age 40 and up and have any pre-existing heart conditions or a family history of heart disease please check in with your physician at Tampa Cardio. While prediction is impossible, prevention is key. The physicians at Tampa Cardio are dedicated to keeping your heart healthy through evaluation, heart-healthy lifestyle tips, and treatment options that may be right for you.

Give the office a call today at (813) 975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com to learn more.